03.03.01 - Bus Rides

Bus Rides Policy Number and Last Update (03.03.01/01-2011)

Policy

On the buses as in the centers, the children's well-being and comfort is the first priority of program staff.

Procedures

Only music for pre-school children will be played or sung on the bus, at moderate volume.

No child will ride on the bus for more than 1 hour.

Staff will carry a thermos jug with water and paper cups, and offer the children at least one drink during the bus ride.

At least one bus aide must speak Spanish (bi-lingual preferred).

Bus staff will follow IMSHSP child guidance procedures.

At morning pick-up, the bus will not wait more than 2 minutes at each stop.

Bus aides will assure that each child remains seated while the bus is moving, in an age and weight appropriate safety restraint system.

At least once during the drive, bus aides will check each child's seating to make sure he/she is comfortable. Aides will respond promptly to children's entreaties.

Aids will periodically engage children in activities that they enjoy, like singing, finger-plays, observing interesting sight through the windows, telling stories, conversing, playing guessing games, etc.

When the bus arrives at the center to drop off children, as well as when they drop the children at home, the aides will check each seat and underneath.

It will be the responsibility of the Bus Driver to complete the final inspection of the bus to ensure that there are no more children remaining on the bus.